4.6
(688)
5,341
hikers
218
hikes
Hiking around Kriens offers diverse landscapes, from the foothills of Mount Pilatus to alpine valleys and dense forests. The region is characterized by its varied terrain, including the prominent Mount Pilatus, the scenic Eigenthal valley, and the accessible Sonnenberg mountain. Trails often feature views of Lake Lucerne and lead through extensive woodlands like the Krienser Hochwald.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
4.8
(133)
1,135
hikers
10.9km
04:12
760m
760m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(19)
268
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Sign up for free
4.5
(24)
108
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(38)
309
hikers
25.5km
10:52
1,790m
1,790m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.6
(15)
100
hikers
11.9km
04:20
730m
730m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Mount Pilatus is always worth a visit. Whether on foot from the north (Kriens), south (Alpnachstad), or west (Lütholdsmatt), by bike, or by gondola, cable car, or cogwheel train.
0
0
Here's my tour from September 5, 2025 https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2554068247?share_token=aeSLPUZ1urYKe1JXS1aLJsSgD4fh9M6XTWj0oGIO6eV7vAwqAs&ref=wtd
0
0
A challenging ascent and descent from Fräkmüntegg, with a fantastic panoramic view at the church. See my tour with description and photos from September 5, 2025: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2554068247?share_token=aeSLPUZ1urYKe1JXS1aLJsSgD4fh9M6XTWj0oGIO6eV7vAwqAs&ref=wtd
0
0
You pass this on the way up, with beautiful views along the path.
1
0
This is the middle station of the lower cable car. There's a large playground here.
1
0
Nice straight staircase through the forest.
2
0
very pretty here, very pretty
1
1
very pretty here, very pretty
0
0
Kriens offers a wide range of hiking difficulties. You'll find over 80 easy routes, more than 100 moderate trails, and around 25 challenging paths. This variety ensures options for all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to demanding ascents, often leading through diverse landscapes like the Krienser Hochwald or up Mount Pilatus.
Yes, Kriens features trails with beautiful natural attractions. For a hike with a waterfall and panoramic views, consider the Rocky Path with Mountain View – Waterfall loop from Kriens. You can also explore the mysterious Wolfsschlucht Gorge, which is accessible via trails on Sonnenberg Mountain, or the Rocky Gorge Hiking Trail – Klimsenhorn Chapel loop from Restaurant Fräkmüntegg.
Absolutely. Kriens is well-suited for families. The Sonnenberg Mountain offers easier hikes with panoramic vistas and recreational areas. Krienseregg, accessible by cable car, is another excellent starting point for family-friendly trails, including the Dragon Moor hiking trail, and features the 'Pilu-Land' playground. Many of the over 80 easy routes in the region are suitable for families.
Most hiking trails around Kriens are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock. Always ensure you carry water for your pet and clean up after them. The diverse terrain, from forests to open meadows, offers plenty of enjoyable experiences for you and your canine companion.
Yes, Kriens offers numerous circular hiking routes, allowing you to start and end your journey at the same point. An example is the Moor Pond in Bireggwald – View of Mount Pilatus loop from Kriens Mattenhof, which takes you through the Bireggwald forest. Many other trails are designed as loops, providing convenient exploration of the region's varied landscapes.
Hiking in Kriens offers spectacular views and landmarks. You can enjoy panoramic vistas from Mount Pilatus, often referred to as Lucerne's local mountain, with routes like the Pilatus Kulm – View of Lake Lucerne loop from Kriens. The historic Klimsenhorn Chapel is another notable landmark found on trails like the Rocky Gorge Hiking Trail – Klimsenhorn Chapel loop from Restaurant Fräkmüntegg. Sonnenberg Mountain also provides excellent viewpoints, and many trails offer glimpses of Lake Lucerne.
Kriens' hiking trails are very accessible by public transport. Mount Pilatus can be reached via a scenic cable car from Kriens, which takes you to Krienseregg and Fräkmüntegg, serving as excellent starting points for various hikes. Sonnenberg Mountain is also easily accessible by a nostalgic funicular. This makes it convenient to reach many trailheads without a car.
The best time for hiking in Kriens is generally from spring through autumn, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear. During these seasons, you can fully enjoy the lush meadows, dense forests, and stunning mountain views. Winter hiking is also possible, especially on lower-altitude trails, offering a different, serene experience of the snow-covered landscape.
Yes, you'll find various options for refreshments and accommodation. Traditional alpine huts and mountain restaurants, such as Alpgschwänd Mountain Restaurant and Viewpoint, are often located along or near trails, offering regional specialties. For overnight stays, there are huts like Tripolihütte and Naturfreundehaus Rigi, providing a cozy experience in the mountains.
The hiking experiences in Kriens are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the challenging ascents of Mount Pilatus to the tranquil paths through the Krienser Hochwald. The well-maintained trails, spectacular panoramic views, and the variety of options for all skill levels are frequently highlighted as key attractions.
Yes, Kriens offers access to unique natural areas. The Dragon Moor hiking trail on Krienseregg provides insights into the special flora and fauna of the protected moors surrounding Mount Pilatus. Additionally, the nearby UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve offers opportunities to explore unspoiled nature and discover rare animal and plant species on its diverse trails.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.